great barrier reef tours: poseidon
Poseidon is a family owned and operated business with 28 years in the industry, they are able to offer visitors the ultimate snorkel and dive adventure by being consistent with the quality of the reefs visited. They have 45 reef locations to access within the Northern Reef System.
On the day they will choose the best 3 locations depending on tides, winds and currents. The Agincourt Ribbon Reefs are long narrow reefs located along the very Outer Edge of the Great Barrier Reef, and are flushed out at every tide by clear oceanic water, coral thrives in this clear water, creating spectacular gardens and a huge variety of marine life. All sites have been selected for both the shallow coral gardens favoured by snorkellers and adjacent deeper walls and drop-offs preferred by scuba divers.
Once aboard the boat tea and coffee are served and the snorkel and dive briefing is done during the trip to the reef to maximise your time in the water. We arrived at the first site at approximately 10am where they served a tropical fresh fruit platter, and it’s here where the activities begin.
The best way of seeing and experiencing the magic of the reef is by snorkelling and the majority of visitors choose to snorkel. Poseidon prides itself on offering excellent customer service, with a team of dedicated snorkel instructors to assist your every need. They also provide in water assistance and flotation devices for those who are beginners. A reef interpretation talk is given by a marine biologist at the second site explaining the ecology and history of the reef.
By this time you are generally starving and it’s here where they serve a tropical buffet of prawns, cold meats, breads and salads (the best potato salad I have ever had.)
A guided snorkel tour is offered at the third site by a marine biologist and is one activity that should not be missed. There is one guy that does it called Mr Fluffy and I’m sure that he has gills and webbed hands and feet. This amphibious man is so knowledgeable of the reef and everyone that comes back from this trip raves about him.
An introductory dive allows those with no experience to enjoy the thrill of scuba diving in a safe and supervised way — no experience necessary. Small groups ensure personal service and individual attention. If you get hooked you can enjoy up to 3 intro dives.
Or for those with certification you can enjoy up to 3 guided dives at different outer reef locations. Dive sites include walls, pinnacles and coral gardens with a fantastic variety of fish and coral life all at the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
After the third site they serve afternoon tea consisting of tea and coffee and the yummiest banana cake you have ever had. At 2.45pm Poseidon departs the reef and heads back to Port Douglas where it arrives at the Marina at around 4.30pm.
During the months of May to September, our tropical waters present the added bonus of sighting whales as these gentle giants migrate to mate and give birth to their young and Poseidon has been awarded one of the few permits to swim with these guys.
Poseidon III was custom-designed to provide uncrowded snorkelling and diving adventures. The vessel boasts a number of great features including an air-conditioned saloon and open deck so you can kick back and enjoy your day on the reef.
The Tour Specialists tip
LouisePoseidon offers the discerning traveller a 5 star reef adventure without the price tag, definitely a trip worth doing while up here in the North.
